The origin of dementia friendly theatre performances and the role of people living with dementia as creative consultants

ABSTRACT

A reflection on the process that led to the development of dementia friendly theatre performances at Leeds Playhouse (formerly West Yorkshire Playhouse) including the vital involvement of people living with dementia as creative consultants. This article outlines the inspiration behind such performances, the steps required to make the necessary adaptations and enhancements identified by people living with dementia, and the potential for theatres to value and validate the voices of people with dementia through continued cultural engagement.

KEYWORDS:

• Dementia
• dementia friendly performances
• theatre
• co-production
• co-creation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Nicky Taylor is Theatre & Dementia Research Associate at Leeds Playhouse and doctoral researcher in creative co-production with people with dementia at Leeds Beckett University. She conceived and led the world's first dementia friendly theatre performance and supports the wider theatre sector to involve and value people with dementia.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Baring Foundation, Arts Council England, Leeds City Council and The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation.